Anglican church apologises to married couple given ultimatum over their same-sex relationship

They formed their own church called the Congregation of St Francis and the new congregation decided to take legal action against the Armidale diocese.

Last month, Grace and Sanders received an apology from the dean of the Anglican diocese of Armidale, Reverend Christopher Brennan.

But the couple are disappointed with the apology and are questioning why it took so long to clarify.

Grace and Sanders said a simple verbal apology at the time of the alleged misunderstanding would have sufficed. The Guardian understands the legal action has now been settled.

Sanders said women provided the majority of energy to start their new congregation, including Marg Kennedy and Marg Hadfield as well as 97-year-old Thelma McCarthy.

But the death of McCarthy in March this year precipitated another crisis because no one was able to perform the last rites and give holy communion at the hospital.

Sanders feared that any local Anglican priests who wanted to help could face reprisals.